The Effect of Cold Vapor on Dyspnea, Thirst, Nausea, and Physiological Parameters in the PACU After Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernia Surgery

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

Cold Vapor: Cold steam application will be performed using a Hikoneb 906 S/LCD ultrasonic nebulizer, which will generate cold steam with distilled water. Device parameters will be optimally set to steam delivery level 5 (1-10), steam density level 5 (1-10), and steam temperature 1C0 (1C0-10C0). This application will be applied to the intervention group for 15 minutes after the baseline (T0) assessment. Cold steam will not be delivered directly to the airways but will be applied to the facial area, covering the mouth and nose area. A distance of approximately 20-30 cm will be maintained between the device's steam outlet and the patient's face.

Study summary

Cold vapor application is considered a promising intervention with the potential to alleviate side effects associated with anesthesia and surgery in the postoperative period. This study aims to determine the effect of cold vapor inhalation on dyspnea, thirst, nausea, and physiological parameters following laparoscopic inguinal hernia surgery.

Hypotheses (H1);

H1a: Patients administered cold vapor will report lower dyspnea severity compared to the control group.

H1b: Patients administered cold vapor will report lower thirst levels compared to the control group.

H1c: Patients administered cold vapor will report lower nausea severity compared to the control group.

H1d: Patients administered cold vapor will show significant differences in physiological parameters compared to the control group.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Survey Form — Baseline (T0)
  The form developed by the researchers consists of a total of 13 questions and collects data on the demographic (age (year), gender, body mass index (kg/m² ), ect.) and clinical characteristics (American Society of Anesthesiologists-ASA score, perioperative fasting period (min), ect.) of the patients.
• Modified Borg Scale (MBS) for Dyspnea — Baseline (T0), 15th minute (T1) and 30th minute (T2)
  The MBS is a 12-point scale that rates dyspnea severity from 0 (no dyspnea) to 10 (intolerable dyspnea).
• Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) for Nausea Level — Baseline (T0), 15th minute (T1) and 30th minute (T2)
  The severity of postoperative nausea in patients will be assessed using the NRS, which is scored from 0 to 10 and created by researchers. Higher scores on this scale represent higher severity of nausea.
• Surgical Period Thirst-Related Discomfort Scale (SPTRDS) — Baseline (T0), 15th minute (T1) and 30th minute (T2)
  This six-item, three-point Likert-type scale has a single-dimensional structure. Items were rated as "did not bother" (0), "slightly bothered" (1), and "very bothered" (2). Higher scores on this scale represent higher severity of thirst.
• Physiological Parameter Monitoring Form (PPMF) — Baseline (T0), 15th minute (T1) and 30th minute (T2)
  The monitoring form, created by the researcher as part of the study, will assess basic vital signs such as systolic (mmhg) and diastolic (mmhg) blood pressure, heart rate (pulse/min), peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2, %) and respiratory rate (/min).

Trial sites (1)

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